Residues of pesticides and PCBs in estuarine fish,1972-76--National Pesticide Monitoring Program

Abstract

This report summarizes 1524 analyses of juvenile fish collected semiannually in 144 estuaries nationwide from July 1972 through June 1976. Pooled samples of 25 whole fish were screened for 20 common pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The three most common residues, DDT, PCBs, and dieldrin, were found in 39, 22, and 5 percent of the samples, respectively. Data indicate that estuarine pollution levels continue to decline.